Proserpine Junior Cricket Club are holding their next Have A Go sign on day this month, perfect for aspiring junior cricketers to get involved in the game and have their hand at the sport.

The Club has undergone a series of upgrades of the clubhouse and grounds, preparing for the upcoming season, including a floor refurbishment, new interior paint, and new nets.

With the season spanning October through to March, cricket is the perfect outlet for a summer sport, with the Proserpine Pitbulls competing in their competitions throughout the season: the local Proserpine Competition, a Mackay Competition, and a Bowen Competition.

Last season, the Proserpine Pitbulls U12 and U13 teams won the Mackay Premiership and the U15s were minor premiers, with a further 19 players selected for the Mackay/Whitsunday Representative team.

The Colts U16 debuted last season, made up of the older Whitsunday and Bowen Junior players who compete in the Senior Competition.

And with Girls Cricket increasing in popularity, the Club are encouraging all girls to come give the sport a go or participate in one of their upcoming Girls Clinics.

The Proserpine Junior Cricket Club will also be holding the North Queensland Cricket Association U13 Male Carnival in December, meaning now is the best time to get signed up for the upcoming season and be a part of the carnival.

WHAT: Proserpine Junior Cricket Club Have A Go Day

WHERE: Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds

WHEN: Wednesday September 13, 4pm to 5pm

LEARN MORE: email proserpinejca@yahoo.com or ring 0707 638 149, or visit Facebook.com/proserpinejca

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Alf Padgen at 90 years of age has been playing lawn bowls for more than 40 years after originally starting at Gargett.

Nowadays, Alf is a dual member at Mackay and Wests Tigers, but regularly teams up with Albert Wicks on Tuesdays to revive their bowling achievements as partners in District Pairs and Triples Championships.

While Alf is deadly with his bowling arm, he always encourages novice bowlers in the finer points of bowling techniques.

During the week, the club has been hosting Mackay State High School students in a 12 week course as part of their grade 12 Sport and Recreation subject.

The Cattle Creek Shield was played last weekend with the club winning against North Mackay, Marian, and Sarina on the Saturday and playing Northern Beaches on Sunday in the final, with Northern Beaches winning.

Congratulations to Players from Mackay Club J Smith, G Collum, R Casey, T Mayfield, P Carter, C Marks, G Edmonds, N Wilson, D Wootton, P Molloy, B Robertson, R Blanchard, T Hollows, A Gibson, E Roberts, B Bridger.

Mackay Club Ladies are hosting Ladies District Champion of Champions Triples on September 14 and 15.

This weekend is Pratt Cup, facing Wests Tigers first up at Mackay City Bowls Club.

Teams for weekend:

Singles: Ross Dunstan.

Pairs: Steve Cassidy, Noel Wilson.

Fours: Bruce Bridger, Grant Edmonds, Antony Gibson, Col Marks.

Tuesday Afternoon Social Bowls welcomed Bryce and Heather from Bundaberg who joined local for a roll up.

Winners of Winners: Leanne Jenner, Barry Jenner, Peter Taaffe.

Winner of Losers: Alan Bartlett, Col Marks.

Thursday afternoon Scroungers saw 17 players with Grant Edmonds playing Peter Carter in the final and Grant coming out the eventual winner.

Friday Social saw winners Marie Mayfield and Gary Williamson.

Club Competition starts on Friday afternoon with Ladies 2 Bowl Triples and Consistency Singles.

E Clements, J Nelson, R Schatkowski v H Truscott, L Caban, W Pomeroy.

Dot McNamara v Carol Savage.

Men's Open Triples: S Makin, C Molloy, P Molloy v K Tranberg, D Wootton, N Wilson.

Sunday Afternoon Men's B Singles: B Williams v R Mroz, D Currey v R Bell

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Alf Padgen

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After the final round of the season, five of ten Whitsunday United teams progress to the finals series.

Congratulations to all our finalists including U13 Div 1 (3rd place), U15 FQPL (4th place), Men U23 (4th place).

Special mention to our senior prem teams with our Premier Women having their best season ever with a second place in the Premiership conceding only to the top of the table Lions with a narrow loss and a draw.

On Saturday, the U13 Prems had their final game of the season against 2nd placed Magpies.

They played with determination and fantastic team spirit and were unlucky not to score in the first half.

A good effort by the young squad.

U15 Div1 also finished their season with an 8-0 win against Rangers.

After a frustrating season of draws and close losses it was great for the kids to end on a high!

The U15s Premier Team took on the Mackay Dolphins in what was a very close encounter between two top four teams.

A much-improved effort from the team and will look to keep improving into the finals next week.

The U23 Women played top of the table Dolphins at home.

Congratulations to all of the Ressie ladies, although they didn’t make the finals they should be proud of a very successful season.

The Premier ladies had a 7-0 win against Dolphins, with Whitsundays started strong, dominating possession for most of the first half.

The ladies now focus on the first round of finals next weekend where a win will put them straight into the grand final.

The U23 Men played Lions in a game that would decide who would finish 2nd in the league.

With the score ending 2-1 the boys are still in a good spot to get finals football.

The Premier Men dominated proceedings from start to finish in what was a great team performance. Sherro added a 4th and completed his hatrick to round out the last home game of the season with a 4-0 win.

Whitsunday United FC would like to thank everyone who came out to watch games this season as it really does help. See you all for Finals Footy !!!!

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Premier League Women dominating their match. Photo supplied

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The recent 2023 Australian Cross Country Championships was the latest platform for three Mackay athletes to post impressive performances.

Ayla Moon, as well as brothers Oliver and Toby Rule, proudly represented Queensland, with Toby finishing with a podium placing.

Held in the capital city of Canberra last weekend, these dedicated athletes showcased their remarkable endurance and determination, showing why they earned their well-deserved spots in Queensland's elite running teams.

Ayla, competing in the 11 years age group, has proven herself as a rising star in the sport. Her impressive performance at the All Schools Cross Country States showcased her determination, as she climbed from 12th place to a remarkable 6th place on the challenging 3km course. This victory secured her spot in the Queensland School Team, marking her debut in the state-level cross country event.

Ayla placed 31st out of the 52 runners.

Brothers Oliver and Toby Rule have consistently showcased their prowess on the track. Oliver's training led him to an impressive 2nd place in the 8km race at the Mackay Marina Run. His recent participation in the Townsville Running Festival's 10km road race, where he matched his personal best and secured 5th place, further solidified his position in Queensland's cross country scene. Similarly, Toby's journey has been marked by successes. A strategic performance at the Queensland Athletics State Cross Country Championships earned him 2nd place in the 16-year-old age group and an impressive 6th place overall. Toby's dedication and growth paved the way for his selection in the Queensland team.

At the Australian Cross Country Championships, Oliver ran a personal best time over the 8km course. Toby finished 18th overall in the Under 18 6km race, placing 5th in his age group, finishing 3rd overall for his age amongst Australian athletes. His impressive time earning him a national bronze medal.

Following the championships, Ayla, Oliver, and Toby will shift their focus to the upcoming NQ Championships in Mackay and the Bridge to Brisbane in October.

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Toby Rule (centre) led the charge early to bring home bronze at the 2023 Australian Cross Country Championships held in Canberra last weekend. Photo credit: Belinda Rule

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Sunday 27th August saw 23 shooters competing for the day.

Shooters travelled from Silkwood, Townsville, Burdekin, and Mackay/Sarina to join our members for a day of competition.

The day was sunny and very windy which proved challenging.

The winners were:

Ev 1: 25T DB AA: P Scalia, J Rossato 25/25, G Maltby, R Gough, C Tremlett 24/25;

A: J Cerqui, G McHenry 24/25, R Zarb, K Zarb 23/25;

B: N Kirkman 21/25, J Taylor 19/25, R Mikkelsen 16/25;

C: B Bonanno 23/25, A Gangemi 20/25, P LeBlowitz, W Rossato 17/25

Ev 2: 25T SB AA: G Maltby, C Tremlett 24/25, J Rossato, R Gough 23/25;

A: B Gall 23/25, J Sebastiani Snr 22/25, D Rossato, C Edgerton 20/25;

B: J Taylor 21/25, R Mikkelsen, N Kirkman 18/25;

C: B Bonanno 18/25, W Rossato 16/25, P LeBlowitz 15/25

Ev 3: 25T P/Score AA: P Scalia, J Rossato 74/75, G Maltby 69/75;

A: K Zarb 72/75, C Edgerton 69/75, R Zarb 67/75;

B: R Mikkelsen 65/75, J Taylor 59/75, N Kirkman 57/75;

C: B Bonanno 64/75, R Ness 57/75, J Dickersen, W Rossato 56/75

Ev 4: 25T H/Cap 1st N Kirkman 24/25, 2nd G Maltby 28/30, 3rd R Zarb 27/30

Overall for the Day Sponsored by Bowen Industrial Hire AA: P Scalia and J Rossato 142/150; A: K Zarb 137/150; B: N Kirkman 120/150; C: B Bonanno 125/150

Thank you to our sponsor of the day, Bowen Industrial Hire, thank you to everyone who helped in any way over the weekend. Our next shoot will be held on Sunday 24th September with the working bee and practise on Saturday 23rd. Hope to see you all there.

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Overall Sponsored by Bowen Industrial Hire AA J Rossato and P Scalia, A K Zarb, B N Kirkman, C B Bonanno

Ev 4 Handicap 3rd R Zarb, 2nd G Maltby, 1st N Kirkman. Photos supplied

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Whitsunday local student Jure Portelli has been one of eight girls selected for the international FIA Girls on Track Rising Star Program.

Having competed in kart racing for just over two years, Jure’s made a quick ascent to fame, with 30 podium finishes, and 20 first place wins in 2022 alone.

She initially began in karts that her parents wanted to teach her to drive before getting her license, with no motorsport background.

She then progressed to faster vehicles.

The FIA Girls on Track Rising Star Program is a collaboration between the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) and the Ferrari Driver Academy and aims to identify and nurture female racing talent from ages 12 to 16 years.

Jure is one of eight 14- to 16-year-old girls from around the world to be selected and will attend a training camp held in Italy in September.

At the camp, the girls will be judged on their performance, and the one deemed most talented and promising has the opportunity to become the next female diver to compete in Formula 4, with support from the Iron Dames team in 2024.

“Being a girl in a male dominated sport has its hurdles but most boys have been supportive off the track,” said Jure.

Competing at this level can be expensive and Jure is always on the lookout for local sponsors, partners, and those wanting to support with a financial contribution to help her on her journey.

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Jure Portelli breached the racing world with no motorsport experience

Being selected for the FIA Girls on Track Program gives Jure the chance of a lifetime

Jure now has the chance to compete in Formula 4. Photos supplied

Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson completed for the Queensland team at the Australian School Swimming Championships in Sydney last week.  

Team Manager, Kate Thomson said Jy and Jacob were great ambassadors for Queensland.  

Jacob and Jy made finals (Top Tens) for all their individual events.  

Jy, Queensland Captain, swam outstanding times in his 100m and 200m Butterfly taking out 4th place in Australia.  

Jy was placed 5th in Australia for his 50m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle and he was 6th place for his 50m Backstroke.  

Jacob Bell swam extremely well in his 400 IM to achieve 8th place.  

Both Jy and Jacob were excited to be a part of the Qld 17 – 19-year-old 4 x 50mm Male Relay team, they both swam impressive times, and the team was placed 4th.  

Jy was the anchor in the Qld Male 13 – 19-year-old 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay.  

He swam the fastest leg of the relay which was 53.57sec and the Qld team came 5th.  Congratulations to Jy, Jacob, and Kate!!

On the weekend, Nelson Malady aged 11 years competed in the Townsville Open Water “Ship to Shore” race.  

Nelson swam 1.5km from the ferry to the Townsville Strand in an awesome time of 31min 25min.  Nelson was the 2nd junior swimmer out of the water.  Congratulations, Nelson!  

The Cannons hosted another very successful Club Night on Wednesday night.  

The Cannons presented Tora Delac and Jax Clayworth with Club Records.  

Congratulations, Tora for setting a new 25m Breaststroke record in a time of 18.61sec.  Congratulations, Jax for setting a new 100m Butterfly record in a time of 1.28.83.  

The Chocolate Awards for PBs were presented to Tora Delac and Zane Clayworth.  

Congratulations to Abi Maher, Anton Bakx, Gage Cotton, and Isaac Pisaniello for achieving Upgrade times.  A big thank you to the wonderful parents for all their support with Club Nights!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Jy, Jacob and Kate at the Aust School Swim Champs

Jax Clayworth with 100m Fly Record

Tora Delac Club Record Breaststroke. Photos supplied

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The Proserpine Whitsunday Brahmans U14 team are celebrating this week having beaten the Mackay Magpies in the Grand Final, coming home 2023 champions.

Coach Justin Follett has been coaching the team for the past nine years and although they undefeated last season, the team sadly lost the final.

This year, with a point to prove, the youngsters came back fighting, but it wasn’t looking good when they were beaten four times.

Despite this, they held themselves together as a team and triumphed.

“The boys deserved the win, they played ‘all out all game’ for each other,” said Justin.

“These young men bought into our game plan and executed it with precision. Everyone knew their job, and all put their shoulder to the wheel to achieve this great result.”

Lewis McDermid came up with a superb first try with his straight, hard line running and at half time it was 4 all. Captain Koby Johnson-Follett crossed the line twice in the second half and converted both tries to put us in front 16-10.

“I told the boys at half time that defence wins premierships,” said Justin.

“This sunk in, as the last 10 minutes of the game was a gruelling battle with the Magpies on our try line for 5 sets in a row.

“Our young Brahmans held them out till the full-time siren and secured the win.”

“I would like to thank all the boys for their outstanding effort, it was a thrilling game.

“The Brahmans culture is about loyalty, mateship, commitment, tenacity and unity – we are built on effort!

“These boys showed all of these attributes and more on Saturday to bring the Cup back to the Whitsundays.

“A special thank you to the support team of Russell Mau, Ros Leo, Kim Bates, Don McDermid, Mel Harsley, Matthew Court and Wes Carlson.

“We wanted to end the season with memories of a Premiership, not dreams, and we achieved that goal playing the, ‘Greatest Game of All’.

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The Under 14  Proserpine Whitsunday Brahmans wins the grand final. Photo credit: Blanchè Hunt

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As the days grow longer and spring is on our doorsteps the bowls this week has been sensational with so much news to tell.

Let’s start with Tuesday afternoon bowls saw only a small but strong field play with Wendy Pomeroy with Henny Tattam take home the prize money.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw Gary Kiff, Betty Whitehorn, Tony Whitehorn and Russell Jackson first round winners with the final playoff between Russell Jackson and Betty Whitehorn.

Sunday afternoon saw 42 bowlers.

The 7 rinks were used and play finished at 4 PM for prize giving and more stories from some of the people Nik had affected with his inspirational encouragement.

There was 3 winners named in first, second and third prize money the biggest winner of the day was an old teammate of Nik’s.

Whilst this game was played on another rink our own Manny Isgro with Harry Quad played won their pairs zone titles and are now in the last 8 to play out for the Queensland pairs champions well done boys whom also came to pay respect for our departed champion in Nik Fernbach.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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A lively week of bowls in Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

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A Big Winter Ending Week

Congratulations to Harry Craig and Alfie Moretto representing St Catherine's in the All Schools Cup Challenge at Pine Rivers on Wednesday and Thursday last week.  

Harry and Alfie played 9 games in this competition winning 6 to come in in 6th place out of 18 teams.  

The boys acquitted themselves with great composure throughout the event.

Even in this game where they suffered a defeat, the boys showed true resilience to continue to play their game.

On Sunday morning the Semi Finals of the 2 Bowl Triples were played.    S

hane Kinnear, Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley defeated Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan and Luchie Gardel 41 – 16.

Todd Leys, Jonathan Bye and Gavin Milne defeated Martin Corr, Ross Reville and Michael Kinnear 27 - 19.

Pratt Cup team has been announced for this weekend's Pratt Cup event.  

Day one is being held across four clubs with Mackay City, Sarina, Seaforth, and Wests Tigers being this year's host clubs for the first days and last year's winner Northern Beaches hosting the Semi Finals and Finals.  

Proserpine has been drawn to play Mackay City at Wests Tigers in the first round starting at 9am on Saturday, September 2 with the winner going on to play Seaforth who have a bye in the first round.  

Proserpine last won this event in 2020 and were runners up in 2021.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Beryl Nosworth, Elspeth Scotford, Toni Clauss, Ann Gardel, Trish McNeill, Penny Wardroper, Phil Batty, and Pam Harrison

Logan Devery, Daniel O’Donnell, Luke Paroz, and Phil Batty

Logan Devery, Levi Holmes, and Phil Batty. Photos supplied

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Wangaratta hosted the annual Combined Shield on Saturday.

With a format of Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours men’s teams from Wangaratta, Collinsville, BBC, and a combined Wangaratta/BBC ladies team played for the trophy.

Over the day there were a lot of great bowls played.

With three match wins and an aggregate of 65 the combined Wangaratta/BBC ladies were the victors. Wangaratta men came in second with BBC third and Collinsville fourth. Thanks to Wangaratta club and all the organisers for a great day.

BBC will host the event next year.

Winners for Monday afternoon triples E Dunn, D Bradeley, and F Farrugia defeated M Elphinstone, I Wheeler, R Stitt.

On Tuesday, winners were R Mumby, M Kilkenny, and P Warren defeated M Elphinstone, J Breakwell, and M Loughead.

Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were L Knight, M Terry, and M Chappell defeated C Bellingham, A Learson, B Bellingham.

M Hyde, and P Madden defeated S Pearson and R Mumby.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 3. They were L Suann, R Stitt, and F Duncan who defeated J Brunt, L Knight, and J Reimann.

Club Competition: Single Sets R Stitt defeated L Wilson, G Colquhoun defeated D Wallace.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.                                                                                                  

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Combined Shield Winners Wangaratta/BBC Ladies. Photo supplied

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Round 19 came to a conclusion today at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, when Dom Friend and Art McMinn went head-to-head for the last time this season.

Dom, who picked up a bad knee injury during the week, was able to put that to one side on the day and play some strong darts.

Art too has been playing well of late, but just couldn’t get enough going consistently in the scoring department to cause Dom enough problems.

After Dom took a 5/1 lead, the writing was on the wall for Art, with Dom winning the match comfortably, 7/2.

That brings us to the 2023 finals series.

In the 1st qualifying final, we had 2nd place Joe Wilson taking on 3rd place Dom Friend. The averages were in the mid to high 50’s range in this contest, with Joe also hitting a lovely 177 along the way.

The defending champion was able to put that injury out of his mind all day to keep his chances of back-to-back titles well and truly alive.

Dom advances straight to the preliminary final in 3 weeks’ time, whereas Joe will have another crack at it in 2 weeks’ time in the Semi Finals.  

Which takes me to the next match of the day. The 1st of 2 elimination finals between Gary Robbie and Art McMinn.

Art dug deep to make a game of it, but his efforts were in vain, as he succumbed in the end to an 8/4 defeat.

The last game of the day was the 2nd elimination final between Andy Peel and Kameron Reason. Both players were evenly matched in this one, the difference being the finishing.

Andy’s had his struggles in this department all year, and his woes continued here against Kam, who finished his Premier League season strongly.

Thank you to our sponsored Mika Airlie Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach and Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Gary Robbie and Art McMinn in action. Photos supplied

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club is hosting two more free Tackle and Baitrigging Workshops and everybody is welcome to come along.  

The first is on Tuesday, 5 September at the Marine Club (home to the Whitsunday Game Fish Club and V.M.R) in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale from 6pm.

The first workshop will deal mainly with tying good knots, making of wind-on leaders, tackle set-up, drag settings and an in-depth look at lure fishing for pelagics, such as marlin, sailfish, tuna, mackerel, GT,s etc.

A demonstration of lure types, how to rig and present them to maximise your chances of success, will also be discussed.

The second night is on Friday, 13 October (lucky Friday) at the Marine Club from 6pm.  

This Workshop will demonstrate the rigging of various baits for tempting a wide range of species as well as tackle set up and lure presentation.

The night will also include a discussion on boat handling when the big fish is being played, and proper tagging procedures as well as where and when to target them in Whitsunday waters.  

There will also be lots of helpful hints and tactics very useful to all levels of anglers.

Both evenings should not be missed by any keen fisho, including anglers planning to compete in the upcoming Ben Doolin Builders’ Light Tackle Tournament being held from 19 to 22 October.

Nomination forms for the tournament will be available at both Workshops and will soon be released on-line.  

This fun event is one of the best on the Queensland coast and will be capped this year at 30 teams, due to catering restrictions.  

WHAT: Whitsunday Game Fish Club Tackle and Baitrigging Workshop

WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club

WHEN: Tuesday, September 5, from 6pm

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Saturday 19 August – Single stableford event sponsored by Tim Warren Auto Aircon & Electrical.  

Ladies’ winner was Joy Hose 39pts, runner up Robyn Slade 37pts.  

Men’s winner on a countback Mark Fox 41pts, runner up Adam Borgh 41pts.  

Pin shots to Jenny Healey, Ros Tilden, Claire Garrod, Ryley Malone, Andrew Need, Phil Smith.  

Sunday 20 August – 18-hole 2 ball ambrose sponsored by Bowen Gold club.  

Winners Brenden Wells & Arthur Fisk 60 nett, runners up Doug & Akeam Power 61 nett.

Saturday 26 August was the Margaret Watson Memorial Day sponsored by the Watson and Garrod families.  

Ladies’ winner Meg Garrod 44pts, 2nd Margaret Need 39pts, 3rd Grace Nott 38pts.  

Mens’s winner 43pts, 2nd Kurt Gaudry 40pts, 3rd Noel Schultz 40pts.  

drives to Vince Hargraves, Dylan Nott, Robyn Slade, Linda Scells.  

OBP’s to Penny Stewart, Meg Garrod, Colin Stewart, Graham Seaborne, and an IBP for Ernie Parker.

This was a fun day.  Thank you to the sponsors.

 Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Marg Watson Memorial

Tim Warren trophy day. Photos supplied

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2023 Club Champions were decided on the weekend.

Trish McNeill and Luke Paroz both successfully defended their titles and are the 2023 Club champions.

Congratulations to all the winners for 2023.

Ladies

Club Champion – Trish McNeill

B Grade Champion – Penny Wardroper

C Grade Champion Ann Gardel

Men

Club Champion – Luke Paroz

B Grade Champion – Daniel O’Donnell

C Grade Champion – Logan Devery

Junior Champion – Levi Holmes

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.

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